Nepal Scraps 1,594 Political Appointments in Major Administrative Overhaul

The Nepal government has annulled 1,594 public appointments through a sweeping presidential ordinance , marking a major administrative overhaul aimed at removing politically motivated appointments made by previous governments.

The ordinance, titled the “Ordinance on Special Provisions for the Removal of Public Office Bearers, 2083,” was issued by President Ramchandra Paudel on the recommendation of the council of ministers. It retroactively cancels all appointments made before March 26 , a key political cut-off following the country’s leadership transition after the 2026 elections.

According to multiple reports, the order is part of a broader reform push under the new administration led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah , whose government came to power following the 2025 Gen Z protests and subsequent elections.

The dismissals affect a wide network of state-owned enterprises, regulatory bodies, universities, councils and research institutions , including major organisations such as the Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Oil Corporation, Nepal Television, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Airlines Corporation, and the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.

The ordinance also reportedly extends to more than 110 public institutions , creating leadership vacancies across key sectors including education, healthcare, and public utilities , raising concerns about operational disruption and administrative delays.

Government officials argue the move is necessary to ensure transparency, merit-based governance, and accountability , while critics warn it could paralyse public service delivery in the short term due to the sudden removal of authorised officials.

Authorities have not yet announced a clear mechanism or timeline for fresh appointments , though related legal amendments are reportedly being prepared.